In the main courtyard of the Fang Family.
Ever since witnessing their son’s true recovery, the couple Fang Dehua had transformed, as if they were different people. Their spirits lifted, their relationship seemed to have ascended to a new level, and recently they had been conversing much more frequently.
As a result, these days the old master of the Fang Family hardly visited the rooms of his two concubines anymore. After dinner, it had become something of a routine to sit and chat over tea together before retiring to bed in unison.
"Mengzhu, what’s your view on the Dai Family’s recent actions?" Fang Dehua took a sip of tea and looked up at his wife.
Mengzhu’s mood had improved, making her seem almost a decade younger. At her husband’s question, her smile faded and she huffed, "How else can I view it? They know our Zeze is well again and now they want to make amends. But who do they think they are? Even if Dai Xiyan were a fairy, we wouldn’t be interested..." With their son’s looks and talent, there would be plenty of girls willing to come forward if he simply nodded his assent.
Fang Dehua nodded slightly but remained silent.
"That Dai Zhigao is an ungrateful wretch. Initially, he was to be sent to a remote county on the Frontier to serve as County Magistrate. It was only because we spoke on his behalf that he had the chance to return to Baimu County. Though it was a jest of a marriage pledge, he agreed to it. Now, when it’s time to formalize the engagement to bring joy to our Zeze, they find all sorts of reasons to call off the betrothal. We didn’t raise any objections, did we?" Mengzhu had long harbored grievances against the Dai Family, although habitually she refrained from expressing them. But now that her husband had asked, she wouldn’t hold back. "I’ve never seen such thick-faced..."
"Such words are fine between us, but you mustn’t let them slip out in public," Fang Dehua exhaled, "We can’t afford to have others find flaws in our demeanor."
"Rest assured, I’m not foolish. Had you not asked, I wouldn’t have even mentioned it, casually deflecting with some grand-sounding excuses..." Mengzhu suddenly laughed, "But we are one as husband and wife, and we have only one son. So, on this matter, we must be united..."
"Hmm," Fang Dehua chuckled softly.
"I will treat them with utmost warmth and certainly won’t let them find a single fault." Mengzhu said proudly with a smile, "When the engagement was broken off, I did not lose my temper, and now there’s even less reason to, because our son has said there’s no need..." She suddenly broke into a radiant smile, "Our son says he wants to outdo you; he wants to earn an Imperial Edict for me..."
"Don’t mention it, but I’ve been examining our son’s studies these days. He has made immense progress, and his writing has started to show real character..." Fang Dehua’s eyes lit up as he spoke, and he even stroked his short beard, "Honestly, we really underestimated that Miss Yang..."
Mengzhu’s expression twisted for a moment, but she quickly came to terms with it; originally, she had indeed looked down on Yang Ruxin and even felt some aversion. But no matter what, that girl was her family’s benefactor, someone she would remember for life, and she would definitely repay her if given the chance.
"Who knows, perhaps our son really has the makings of a Champion someday..." Fang Dehua said contentedly.
"Truth be told, all these years, I haven’t been concerned about whether he becomes a Champion or not. All I hope for is that you and our son stay healthy. Our family living peacefully and securely is enough for me..." Mengzhu suddenly said, overcome with emotion.
"Madam’s enlightenment grows ever higher..." Fang Dehua chuckled heartily and then stood up, "Well, madam, let’s rest."